Brown-Point Shield Skin (Aspidoras fuscoguttatus) care guide

Group
Freshwater fish
Family
Callichthyidae (armoured catfishes)
Origin
Brazil: the upper Paraná basin, including the Rio Grande and Rio Uberaba systems.
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
5 cm
Temperature
22–25°C
pH
5.5–6.8
Hardness
Up to about 12 dGH
Minimum tank
54 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
peaceful

Care

A small, cory-like armoured catfish with dark speckles. Aspidoras are shoaling fish, so keep a group of at least 6. A tank of around 60 × 30 cm (about 54 litres) suits a small group; this is our estimate from its adult size. Use soft sand, with plants, wood and shade. PlanetCatfish gives 22–25 °C, pH 5.5–6.8 and hardness up to about 12 dGH, so slightly soft, acidic water is best. Keep the water clean and avoid copper-based treatments. Names: Aspidoras means "shield skin", after the bony plates; fuscoguttatus means "dark and speckled". It has not been evaluated by the IUCN. Few people keep it, so there is little husbandry data. Sources: PlanetCatfish (planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?speciesid=1070). Checked October 2026.

Diet

An omnivore that forages over the bottom. Offer small sinking tablets and granules plus live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, Daphnia and brine shrimp. Make sure enough food reaches the bottom.

Breeding

PlanetCatfish lists breeding as unreported in its data sheet but holds two breeding reports. Spawning is likely to follow the usual Corydoras-like pattern, with eggs stuck to surfaces; remove the eggs, as adults will eat them.

Compatibility and tank mates

A peaceful shoaling catfish for a community of small, calm fish: small tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, peaceful dwarf cichlids and other small catfish. Avoid large or boisterous fish that could bully or eat it, and fin-nippers.

Last updated 5 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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